How to Bond With Your Co-Workers

When you work with other people, it’s important to have a good relationship with your co-workers. You don’t have to be best friends with them, but you must at least respect each other to avoid turmoil in the workplace. Here are some ways to bond with your co-workers!

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Find something you have in common with them

The best way to start a friendship is to find something you have in common with the other person. Talk to your co-workers to figure out what you have in common with them. Do they love dogs? Do they like the same music, movies, or TV shows that you do? Does one of them have a younger sister, like you do? Once you find a common interest, you can initiate conversations by talking about this common interest!

(I know this strategy works because I once had a co-worker who was nothing like me. However, she was also a dog lover. Although we were very different, we had a good friendship because we spent a lot of time talking about our beloved dogs!)

Take an interest in their interests

It’s very sweet when you tell someone you are interested in a specific subject, and then they remember and ask you about it! Use this strategy to bond with your co-workers. If they mention they like Marvel movies, watch one and mention it to them. If they like a certain band, listen to them and tell your co-worker. They will be delighted that you cared enough to take an interest in their interests.

Take on a project together at work

Taking on a group project at work means you will have to spend time with your group members. This will help you and your co-workers get to know each other in a professional way. It will also give you chances to talk to them and to allow them to be comfortable around you.

Encourage them

If you know that your co-worker is going through a difficult time, or if they have something important happening, encourage them! For example, if your co-worker is taking an important test, wish them good luck. If they are struggling, ask them how they are doing and let them know you are there for them. Be aware of what’s going on in their lives, and be there for them.

Go on a business trip with them

When you travel with someone, you bond with them. If you get the opportunity to go on a trip with a co-worker, take it! It will be a fun change of pace, and you and your co-workers will get to know each other better.

(For example, I once traveled to a conference with a co-worker. By the end of the trip, she and I definitely bonded and became good friends.)

Spend time with them outside of work hours

The best way to bond with a co-worker is to spend time with them outside of work hours. When you are not working, there is more freedom to converse and to get to know each other. Here are some examples of ways you can hang out outside of work:

Go out to lunch or dinner as a group. (This definitely promotes conversation and getting to know each other.)

Find a reason to celebrate and host an office party! (For example, a birthday is a great reason to celebrate! Plus, the birthday girl or boy will feel very special. Holidays are another great excuse to host an office party.)

Have a group outing after work (For example: go to the movie theater, local mall, or bowling alley. It will be fun, and you will make good memories together.)

Work is so much more fun when you are friends with your co-workers. If you want to bond with your co-workers, find something you have in common with them, take an interest in their interest, encourage them, take on a project together, go on a business trip together, and spend time with them outside of work. In other words, just be caring, kind, and considerate of them! Doing these things will give you chances to get to know your co-workers better and to develop good relationships with them.